SECTION XVII 



DISEASES OF THE EAR 



THE ears, by reason of their exposed position on 

 the body, receive injuries as a result of acci- 

 dents. These may vary from slight wounds to 

 serious lacerations, resulting from fighting, becoming 

 entangled in barbed wire, or in running through 

 underbrush while hunting. The wounds thus pro- 

 duced require treatment on general surgical prin- 

 ciples or special operative interference such as will 

 be described under plastic surgery of the ear (p. 189). 

 Contusions, if severe, produce hematoma, which will 

 also be dealt with in a later section (see p. 188). 



The ears are also often affected in the various 

 skin diseases, both parasitic and non-parasitic, from 

 which our patients suffer. 



Ulceration of the Earflap 



This condition is usually the result of infected 

 wounds, the parts becoming infected either by the 

 patient's claws, by flies, or by the discharge asso- 

 ciated with catarrh of the auditory passages. It 

 produces great irritation, which the patient tr'es to 

 relieve by scratching and shaking the head, which 

 maneuvers, however, only tend to make matters 

 worse. 



Treatment. — First of all, thoroughly cleanse the 

 parts, using the curette if necessary, and paint these 

 sores with tincture of iodin. The ear should then 

 be inclosed in antiseptic gauze and an ear cap, net, 

 or bandage applied. The patient must at all costs 

 be prevented, either by hobbling or by the use of 



131 



